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Senior Space Systems Engineer

Katalyst Space Technologies · Broomfield, Colorado, United States

Posted 2026-05-06 · Verified live 2026-09-18

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About this role

<p><strong>Katalyst Description:</strong></p>

<p>Katalyst is an American technology company&nbsp;focused on dynamic space operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;We are building a fleet of&nbsp;dual-use multipurpose&nbsp;robotic space vehicles&nbsp;to&nbsp;create the&nbsp;future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling,&nbsp;resupply&nbsp;and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space&nbsp;exploration&nbsp;that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.<br><br></p>

<p><strong>Katalyst Culture:</strong></p>

<p>Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Overview</strong></p>

<p>As a Senior Space Systems Engineer,&nbsp;you’ll&nbsp;play a key role in developing cohesive system architectures and ensuring the effective integration of spacecraft subsystems to meet mission&nbsp;objectives. This position is a&nbsp;Senior Space Systems Engineering role, focused on the engineering of space systems, rather than a systems engineer for space. We’re looking for someone with a deep understanding of how complex subsystems interact and impact overall system performance.  &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What You’ll Do</strong></p>

<ul>

<li>Oversee and perform system-wide architecture design, ensuring subsystems function cohesively and meet overarching system goals </li>

<li>Lead detailed technical efforts and spearhead trade studies of space system architectures </li>

<li>Identify and address gaps between requirements and top-level objectives, constraining broad problems and decomposing them into actionable tasks to implement solutions </li>

<li>Support the sourcing and selection of key suppliers, components, and technologies </li>

<li>Integrate spacecraft components, ensuring cohesive system functionality and compatibility across all subsystems </li>

<li>Define Key Performance Parameters, select quantifiable metrics, and determine modeling approaches to directly address and answer key design questions in physics-based modeling and simulation efforts </li>

<li>Lead small multi-discipline teams on spacecraft design, space mission design, and R&amp;D projects </li>

<li>Assist proposal capture efforts, including private/public, DoD, OGA, and other commercial partnerships </li>

<li>Conduct comprehensive system analyses, including risk assessments, reliability analyses, and trade studies to optimize system performance </li>

<li>Participate in design reviews, ensuring that designs meet mission requirements, are feasible, and incorporate best practices </li>

<li>Support hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate integrated system performance in simulated operational environments  </li>

<li>Provide technical guidance to junior engineers&nbsp;</li>

</ul>

<p>&nbsp;<strong>Your Ideal Background</strong></p>

<p><strong>Required</strong></p>

<ul>

<li>Bachelor’s degree in&nbsp;a technical&nbsp;engineering discipline </li>

<li>5+ years of experience working on satellite systems with direct involvement in flight programs and the entire Validation and Verification chain </li>

</ul>

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